OKINAWA, Japan -- On May 13, at approximately 1:02 p.m. and 2:05, Japanese Standard Time, respectively, two MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 launched from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. The aircraft is searching for a UH-1Y Huey declared missing while in support of Joint Task Force 505 supporting Operation Sahayogi Haat.
The incident occurred May 12 near Charikot, Nepal, while the aircraft was conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in support of the recent Nepal earthquakes. The aircraft was delivering humanitarian aid to those affected by the recent earthquake and evacuating casualties back to Kathmandu.
There were six U.S. Marines and two Nepalese service members aboard. At this time, the status of those manifested on the flight is unknown.
In addition to the two Ospreys, two UH-1Y Hueys with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 launched earlier in support of the search.
A battalion-sized Nepalese ground force has also moved into the area to assist with the search.
The 36th Contingency Response Group, also with JTF 505, is continuing to support civil aviation authorities offloading humanitarian aid at Tribhuvan International Airport.